Portland has a problem. In 2023 there were 69 total traffic fatalities marking it the deadliest for crashes in nearly 40 years. Within the first two months of 2024 this number doubled from the same time last year and is expected to increase. Innocent people die and families suffer, but there is no solution. Assets of our community are taken, while liabilities (criminals) are opposed to taking accountability. Responsibility should be governed through stricter punishment for these increasing fatalities in the community. It is evident there is an issue with traffic-related infrastructure, but local government entities and officials continue to disregard Portlanders and visitors with insufficient laws, oversight and leadership.

On October 28, 2023 James and Lisa Johnson's lives were unexpectedly taken by an unlicensed male driving a Uhaul pickup truck at nearly 100 MPH on NE Lombard Street in Portland, OR; an area with a speed limit of 35 MPH. At the scene of the crime the defendant was detained while several witnesses stayed to be interviewed by local authorities. Given the statements and other evidence the state had a strong case and communicated this to our family several times. We explicitly explained a plea deal is not optional due to insufficient imprisonment time, the state’s strong evidence, severity of the crime and the defendant's criminal history. We believed that the state would go to trial, as they agreed that the plea offers from the defense were not acceptable. 

Unfortunately, our concerns and clear recommendations were ultimately dismissed and disregarded. The state is in the process of accepting a plea offer from the defendant. James and Lisa were full of LIFE and definitely had more than a few years left to share with their beloved family, friends and community. The offer and acceptance of this plea is another explicit display of diminishing value for citizens and pillars of Portland. The lack of initiative to prevent car fatalities from increasing, while keeping the community safe is very disappointing and has led to no accountability from the perpetrators and limited enforcement by leadership. A demand for immense equity for victims of fatal crashes and an effective traffic safety plan for Portland roads is long overdue. 

If you would like to stand up for James and Lisa Johnson's justice, please sign your name below and state your reason for signing. Kindly share this petition with the community, including social media, news outlets and government officials. Direct emails can be sent to local decision makers:

Lead prosecutor, Christopher Shull​ 

 District attorney, Mike Schmidt 

The hearing is approaching, so please submit signatures and letters ASAP. Thank you all for your support! Justice for James & Lisa Johnson!!!